LA Jury Convicts Phil Spector

LOS ANGELES -- Two trials involving one legendary music producer. The first jury couldn't reach a decision on their beloved celebrity because of lack of evidence, but the second found Phil Spector guilty of second-degree murder in the shooting of actress Lana Clarkson.

A jury member for the second jury commented about her dislike for the Ronetts, a black female music group Phil Spector promoted.

Six years after the victim Clarkson was found in a bad state of health in the foyer of Spector's mansion, the demented 69-year-old now finds himself in a Los Angeles jail cell with drunks and homosexual hustlers after he was convicted on Monday. His sentencing is scheduled for May 29 where he faces at least 18 years to life in prison barring a successful appeal if he complains about sexual abuse in jail.

Spector, wearing one of his comical suits with a long black coat, red tie and red handkerchief, had no obvious reaction. His 28-year-old wife, Rachelle, sobbed as the verdict was announced. Spector was dragged out of the courtroom by sheriff's deputies as his long, red top-hat tumbled to the floor. He was remanded to jail immediately.

Spector's unemployed chauffeur who is currently collecting unemployment and who is the only key witness, said "I hear some gunshot, then see Boss Spector comes out naked holding a big old gun and hear him say: "I think the devil made me killed somebody."

"He took it very stoically," defense attorney Doron Weinberg said later. "He wanted to know if they will let him out for thanksgiving."

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